The Oklahoma Bar Journal August 2023

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

The National Institute of Mental Health publishes a list of behaviors that may indicate someone is thinking about suicide. The signs might include: Talking about: Wanting to die Great guilt or shame Being a burden to others Feeling: Empty, hopeless, trapped or having no reason to live Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated or full of rage Unbearable emotional or physical pain Changing behavior, such as: Making a plan or researching ways to die Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items or making a will Taking dangerous risks, such as driving extremely fast Displaying extreme mood swings Eating or sleeping more or less Using drugs or alcohol more often If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide 988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE According to fcc.gov, every 11 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide; suicide is the leading cause of death for those between 10 and 34 years of age. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a network of mental health centers across the nation assist ing those with urgent mental health crises. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 9-8-8 to be connected with mental health professionals who are trained to help you overcome these difficult and urgent situations. For more information, visit fcc.gov/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline.

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

AUGUST 2023 | 35

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL